Key facts about Imipramine
What dosages is Imipramine available in?
Imipramine is available as a 25 mg and 50 mg oral capsule.
What is Imipramine used for?
Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that is used to treat:
- Depression
- Bedwetting in children (Imipramine hydrochloride only)
How does Imipramine work?
Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). The exact way it works isn’t known. For depression, Imipramine is thought to work by raising the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine chemicals in your brain; these chemicals are involved with regulating mood. For bedwetting, the medication is thought to allow the bladder to hold more urine.
How do I take Imipramine?
The total daily dose of Imipramine is either split up into several smaller doses throughout the day or taken as a single dose before bedtime. Your provider will adjust your dosage based on how well it’s helping your symptoms and whether you’re having side effects.
Is it safe for me to take Imipramine?
Imipramine is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. The concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibiting compounds is contraindicated. Hyperpyretic crises or severe convulsive
seizures may occur in patients receiving such combinations. The potentiation of adverse effects can be serious, or even fatal. When it is desired to substitute Imipramine Hydrochloride Tablets USP in patients receiving a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, as long an page 2 of 10 interval should elapse as the clinical situation will allow, with a minimum of 14 days. Initial dosage should be low and increases should be gradual and cautiously prescribed. The drug is contraindicated during the acute recovery period after a myocardial infarction. Patients with a known hypersensitivity to this compound should not be given the drug. The possibility of cross-sensitivity to other dibenzazepine compounds should be kept in mind.
Imipramine Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Imipramine:
- Dry mouth
- Blurry vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
Imipramine Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Imipramine. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Heart attack: chest pain, cold sweats, left arm pain, trouble breathing
- Stroke: sudden numbness, weakness, confusion, trouble talking
- Serious allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives, itching, fast heartbeat, tightness in the throat, dizziness,
- swelling in the face or tongue
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Imipramine
The following medications may interact with Imipramine:
- Concomitant use of tricyclic antidepressants with drugs that can inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 may require lower doses than usually prescribed for either the tricyclic antidepressant or the other drug. Furthermore, whenever one of these other drugs is withdrawn from co-therapy, an increased dose of tricyclic antidepressant may be required
Who makes Imipramine?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Imipramine safe in pregnancy?
There have been no well-controlled studies conducted with pregnant women to determine the effect of Imipramine on the fetus. Imipramine should be used in women who are or might become pregnant only if the clinical condition clearly justifies potential risk to the fetus.
